Explore IDEA Space

Imagine 32,000 square feet where imaginations take flight, where the next big ideas are born — and where students of all ages and backgrounds hone the skills they need to build a brighter future. Impossible becomes possible.
A state-of-the-art center for science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) education for all students across Kansas City, IDEA Space is A place where children work alongside each other to learn and grow, regardless of their neighborhood, school district, gender or socioeconomic background.

Construction begins in September 2021 with a target opening date in the spring of 2022.

The reclaimed grocery store will be turned into a world-class learning facility with four key areas; Makerspace, Technology Lab, Fabrication Workshop and Incubation Hub. Each space will have cutting edge tools and technology where students learn to solve problems and to develop real-life solutions.

 

Tim Cowden, President, KC Area Development Council

“Kansas City is recognized as a hub of innovation and entrepreneurship in the Midwest. IDEA Space KC will be a great launching pad to educate the learners, makers and doers of tomorrow.”

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  • Technology Lab

    • Robotics
    • Artificial Intelligence
    • Augmented & Virtual Reality
    • Cybersecurity
    • Data Analytics
    • Fintech
    • Software Engineering
    • Machine Learning
    • Video Editing
    • Audio Engineering

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  • Fabrication Workshop

    • Advanced Manufacturing
    • Skilled Trades
    • Metalworking
    • Woodworking
    • Electronics
    • Engineering
    • Finishing
    • Painting

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  • Incubation Hub

    • Entrepreneurial Thinking
    • Research
    • Storyboarding
    • Collaboration
    • Investigation
    • Testing
    • Pitch Development
    • Trademark & Patent Research
    • Business Development

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  • Makerspace

    Engage in:
    • Prototyping
    • 3D Modeling & Printing
    • Textiles
    • Architecture
    • Engineering
    • Digital Fabrication
    To Learn:
    • Design thinking
    • Problem solving
    • Communication
    • Collaboration
    • Creativity
    • Critical thinking

Tools to Succeed

Makerspace

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  • Digital Fabrication

    • Fused deposition modeling
    • 3D printers
    • Large-format 3D printer
    • Laser cutter

  • Textiles

    • Sewing machines 
    • Thread
    • Bobbins
    • Needles
    • Cutting table
    • Measuring tools
    • Specialty scissors
    • Closures
    • Elastic
    • Patterns
    • Pattern paper
    • Chalk wheels
    • Steam iron

  • Robotics

    • Arduino kits
    • Raspberry Pi kits

  • Prototype Development

    • Small consumables: cardboard, foam board, wires, batteries, light bulbs, switches, cardboard tubes, wheels, etc.
    • Large consumables: plywood, acrylic, balsa, chip-board, wood sheets, electric cardboard cutter, etc.

  • Crafting

    • Maker mats
    • Drying rack
    • Heat gun
    • Leather stamping

  • Tool Closet

    • Hand tools
    • Limited power tools
    • Fasteners, adhesives, cutters

  • Safety Items

    • Safety goggles
    • Dust masks
    • Splash goggles
    • Gloves

Fabrication Workshop

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  • Woodworking

    • Miter saw
    • Vertical bandsaw
    • Table saw
    • Drill press
    • Router/router table
    • Wood lathe
    • Bench mill with digital readout

  • Metalworking

    • Metal chop saw
    • Horizontal/vertical bandsaw
    • Metal lathe
    • Sheet metal shear and brake

  • Electrical

    • Soldering irons 
    • Circuitry
    • Magnets
    • AC power supply
    • DC power supply
    • Switches
    • Outlets
    • Computer components
    • Voltage & resistance testing equipment
    • Crimpers
    • Solder sucker
    • Digital multimeters
    • Breadboard wires
    • Motors
    • Sensors
    • Oscilloscope
    • Solar power kits

  • Tool Wall

    • Wall mount with racking system
    • for tools
    • Calipers
    • Hand tools:
    • Handheld power tools
    • Arbor press

  • Advanced Manufacturing

    • CNC router (5x8)
    • Tabletop CNC routers (Qty 2)
    • Tabletop max CNC routers
    • CNC mill

  • Finishing

    • Belt sander
    • Bench grinder
    • Orbital sander
    • Spray room
    • Vacuum former for plastic molding

  • Safety Items

    • Safety goggles
    • Dust masks
    • Ear protection
    • Safety vests
    • Gloves
    • Grounding wires

  • Technology Lab

    • VR headsets and controllers
    • Drones
    • Drone kits
    • Netting
    • General laptops 
    • Gaming quality computers 
    • General desktops 
    • Robotics kits 
    • Gaming systems

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